Influence of air abrasion on the bonding performance of universal adhesives to bovine dentin

This study aimed to determine the influence of air abrasion on the shear bond strength (SBS) of universal adhesives when using different abrasive powders. The AquaCare Twin served as the injection device. The prepared bovine dentin specimens were air- abraded with alumina particles or bioactive glass before applying the universal adhesive (All Bond Universal, Clearfil Universal Bond Quick ER, or Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive). The resin composite-bonded specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h before measuring the SBS. The roughness and free energy of the adherent surfaces were measured, followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and SEM/Energy dispersive X-ray analyses. Dentin pre-treatment and the adhesives used significantly affected the SBS values (p<0.001). Significant interactions were observed between pre-treatment conditions and the adhesive system (p<0.001). The bond strengths of universal adhesive depended on the surface properties of the dentin and the powder used.